Archives for July 26, 2014

Peeling paint is a common problem in most households these days. Needless to say, it can completely spoil the look of your home by being an eyesore in an otherwise attractive area. Moreover, it is unsafe because it acts as a breeding ground for bacteria and mildew. Repairing peeling paint might take time but it is necessary.

Tips to fix peeling paint:

There is no harm in being prepared and protecting yourself. Regardless of the fact if the peeling paint is lead-based, you need to don a safety mask, glasses, and gloves. Whether the size of the area to fix is large or small, always put a large piece of plastic or tarp near the area to catch stray pieces of paint. Don’t forget to tape off nearby trim areas and also remove any furniture, rugs, or other furnishings from the space.

Work on the affected area by removing all paint from it. You can easily do so with a wire brush or paint scraper. Scrape off all the loose paint carefully.

After the peeling paint is removed, there might be cracks or holes left behind. All necessary repairs should be done before repainting. Use a putty knife to apply a patching compound; smooth and let dry as per the directions of the manufacturer.

Even if the patching isn’t necessary, you still need to sand the space so that the area doesn’t have any grooves or lines. A very fine-grit sandpaper should serve the purpose.

The area to be repainted should be clean. Use a slightly damp sponge or tack cloth, wipe off the area that needs to be painted, and then wipe it again with a clean, dry rag. Let the area dry completely before you begin to paint.

Moisture on the walls is often the common cause for peeling paint. If it is so in your case, you need to prevent the newly painted area from the same problem – prime the walls. Cover the surface with primer and allow it to dry as per the manufacturer’s directions.

After all steps are complete, you can start painting the wall. Apply the first coat evenly over the prepared area. Let it dry, apply a second coat if needed, and then let it dry again.

For more tips on how to repair peeling paint, call or email us at Southwest Professional Painting. We would be happy to assist you! 602-490-0979